Started DCI 2 [Archive] - PCOSupport Community Forums

darlagonzalez63

03-01-2011, 09:32 PM

:)

So I just picked the Inositol up today heres hoping to better all round feeling lol...I've been in such a mood...I felt really bad..I got mad at my husband because he was ignoring me and playing his game...lol i didn't yell you could just tell I was really annoyed than I started crying because I felt bad. GOT HOW I HATE THESE HORMOES...and today I'm in a really bad mood...idk so hope the inositol helps me out!

How is everyone else feeling?

ps...funny thing...last month had the really bad breast pain I have no af symptoms yet and I should be do any day....wondering if I am going to get it this month..hahah must be cause I am soooooo moody!!!!!

BEST WISHES TO EVERYONE!!!!!!!!

cmschapp

03-02-2011, 09:59 AM

Darla I understand where you are coming from! Before I started any of my supplements I felt horrible about myself, I would get mad over stupid things, would be moody and depressed. After about a month on my inositol and D3 DH even made a comment that I was different but in a good way. I wasn't as depressed I wasn't nearly as moody. I didn't hate myself quite as much and it helped me ovulate and have a period! I actually felt like myself before I was diagnosed with PCOS.

I hope you have the same luck that I had with inositol!

kerricalabrese

03-02-2011, 01:52 PM

Christina - I think I am taking the proper DCI dosage...I weigh 202 lbs so it says if you weight 165 and above, to take 2 capsules, 600mg each. I've read some people take 3 capsules, I have no clue. My temp keeps dropping so we'll see.

I used to always get a ton of EWCM for about a week before ovulation. Now, not too much. Does the DCI do something to the hormones that control that??

Kerri

cmschapp

03-02-2011, 02:38 PM

Well i only got a ton of CM for one week when I first came off birth control then my body was so screwed up I didn't get any or ovulate. Since I have been on the inositol I have ovulated and had some CM. I wouldn't say tons but enough that I notice it when I am getting ready to O. The DCI is supposed to work more with the insulin resistance and the androgen levels so I would say it is affecting your hormone levels in some manner but should be in a positive way. It might possibly just need some time to regulate them. It looks like you are in the right dosage I think it is 1 pill for every 130 lbs.

If you don't want to continue to pay for the DCI you could try the Myo insoitol. The DCI is supposed to work better though.
I have luckily had the patience to wait. I started inositol back in July so I have been on it for about 7 months. Whatever I am taking is working so I won't be stopping anytime soon.

Hopefully it will get your cycle back into alignment sooner rather than later. I am sure I have asked before but do you take any other supplements besides the DCI?

emmilynn

03-03-2011, 12:52 PM

Hey everyone! I'll stop by to do personals later on but wanted to know if anyone is experiencing nausea with their supplements? I started the ALA Monday and yesterday and today I've had the worst nausea and TMI...vomited both days within an hour of taking my pills. Not sure if it's the ALA or the mix of everything or what. It's before I eat anything so it's just the pills coming back up but I haven't had any nausea before so I'm thinking it's the Alpha Lipoic Acid or maybe mixing it with the other stuff.

Anyone else go through this? It's not enough to make me stop the pills but definitely a little uncomfortable to go through this each morning for 2 days now! :(

Edit: It's a long shot, but could it be ovulation? I know some have nausea around O time. Anyone here experience nausea around O time? Also, I feel 100% back to normal after it comes back up so it's just a momentary nausea feeling. Weird!

cmschapp

03-03-2011, 01:57 PM

I did not have that with ALA when I was taking it. Remember I told you I would be starting a higher dose of inositol well I think it was today and I think the increased dose gave me the runs and nausea. Is that the only thing you changed adding the ALA or did you change doses of anything else? hopefully it only lasts a day or so.

emmilynn

03-03-2011, 03:06 PM

I too noticed the runs for a couple days when I went up to 1950mg from 1300mg of Inositol. I seem ok now. I divide up the ALA and take 600mg in the AM and 600mg in the PM. The PM dose doesn't give me the nausea but I take the Cinnamon, Vitex and Saw Palmetto in the AM so I'm thinking maybe the heavier mixture of pills in the AM is what's contributing to the nausea. Oh well, maybe I'll change it up and take the bulk of the pills at night before bed so I can just sleep through any nausea. No biggie, just takes some adjustment, I hope.

Kerri - Your temps seems to be stabilizing a bit so that's good! I bet you O soon! I get EWCM what seems like forever before I O and it's usually never a ton, just enough to notice a little when I wipe. I agree, your DCI dosage sounds right for you. I'm betting that once we get past our first cycle taking DCI/Inositol, our bodies will get used to the supplements and function better. Hang in there, girl!

Darla - here's hoping the Inositol helps with your moods and cycles! What dosage are you taking?

cmschapp

03-03-2011, 04:06 PM

Yeah hopefully your body just needs to adjust to them. Perhaps the reason I didn't have issues with ALA was because I was only taking 100mg a day.

AFM-I exercised this morning. I did a tabata style work out so it only took 5 mins after I warmed up. Tomorrow will be resistance training. DH is setting up a rewards system so I get back into working out. I can't wait till I hit some of my goals to get some rewards!

emmilynn

03-04-2011, 12:09 PM

I love the rewards system idea! Good for you and I hope you can stay motivated. I actually pulled my bathing suit out of the drawer the other day and tried it on. THAT motivated me a great deal. I looked ok wearing it, (better than last summer) but I keep telling myself 10 more pounds and I'll look even better! Maybe find a new reason to buy a new bikini in a size smaller. What type of rewards is your DH giving? I think it's great that he's supporting you and helping like that :)

AFM, woke up to some spotting this morning. Brown blood and kind of a lot. As much as I'd like to think it's ovulation spotting (which I've never had), it's more likely that AF is on her way even though I have no cramps yet. I guess I'll settle for that. Either way, it's some type of progress. :rolleyes:

cmschapp

03-04-2011, 12:55 PM

Yes DH has been more supportive rather then nagging which doesn't work for me... I am afraid to try my swimsuit on..hah. I am not sure what type of rewards they are going to be a surprise. But they will start out smaller I gave him ideas like greeting cards or flowers or jewelry (non food items). I think down the road one will be the bedroom furniture that I want (which we would probably get anyway) and another anniversary band that I want to make my ring symmetrical ha there is something wrong with me...
I did workout this morning. Did some resistance training for about 15 mins which is really all I need. My goal is to workout out M-F at the very least with MWF being resistance and TH being interval cardio training... That should get me in the habit of getting up everyday at the same time.

Well I don't know about the spotting. If its AF that is a step in the right direction! Since you are coming off birth control it could take some time for your body to adjust... Hopefully this is just the start of good things to come for you!

emmilynn

03-04-2011, 01:08 PM

Yeah, the nagging never helps! My ex was such a nag and even when we went to the gym together, we'd go our seperate ways. Just another reason he's my ex..haha!! I like the anniversary band and bedroom set ideas...nice rewards! When is your anniversary?

Sounds like a good workout plan. Switching days and routine is good too. I have been increasing the lengths of walks/jogs since it's getting warmer and nicer here. I find the warm weather motivates me because I know summer is coming and then time to break out the shorts and stuff!

I'll bet the spotting will turn into AF by the end of the day and that's ok. You're right about coming of BCP and adjusting. If that means an anovulatory cycle to start with, that's ok. I do fully believe the supplements are helping though. If not for them, this cycle would probably go on forever so to have a period without being medically induced is still progress to me! Plus, I'm bored with my chart so a new one would be greatly accepted, lol :D

cmschapp

03-04-2011, 01:24 PM

Our anniversary is 3/29/08. So we are coming up on 3 years of married life together. We started dating 6/2005 so we have almost been together for 6 years! ha It is crazy to think about it like that. Knowing that I turn 28 this year in May that I was 22 when I started dating him seems like it has been so long.

Its funny we have been having trouble with my sil and brother and I feel that I have it great with DH's family. He is the youngest of 8 and his family is so nice even the in-laws. I spend more time with his family then my own. (which part of it is because my sister lives 3.5 hours away and my brother doesn't come around much). We do dinner with at least 4 of the siblings and his parents every other week. I have heard stories from my mom and others that inlaws can make things terrible and I am just glad that I don't have to go thru that. Even though my brothers wife thinks we are evil I am pretty sure we are not... ha!

Yeah even an anovulatory cycle isn't necessarily bad. Its possible that it didn't take me as long to regulate with inositol because I had already been off bcps for 6 months and had a couple of AFs induced. I think its great that we found something that seems to be working better than any prescription I have taken! Any progress going forward is good progress so yay for AF!

emmilynn

03-04-2011, 01:36 PM

Well happy almost anniversary! 6 years is a long time when you think about it all together, huh? Glad you have a close connection with DH's family. That's important, IMO. I was never close w/ my ex's family and he was also the youngest of 7. But, his siblings were all much, much older than me (ex is 7 years older than me!) so I guess we didn't have much in common. Then again, my brother is 9 years older than me so I've been used to being the "baby" all my life, lol. Yeah, I'd say it's just your brother's wife that has the problem since everyone else likes you and DH! ;)

I'm with you on the progress thing. I'm just at the point now where I refuse to do Provera or BCPs as a means of "regulating" cycles. To me it's all a big fakeout. It's not a "real period" and taking hormones is just not the route I want to go. The only exception would be getting bloodwork done again, this time checking more than just Prolactin and TSH (like they did last time) and then going from there with the results. If Met is an option, or suggested by the doc, I suppose I wouldn't have a problem with that. It's just the rest of the stuff that I'm done taking. I wish I had found supplements a long time ago though! Especially after I first came off BCP in 2009 to TTC and went like 6 months without AF, then had to go to the doc, put on Provera and all that nonsense!

cmschapp

03-04-2011, 02:59 PM

Ha thanks for the anniversary wishes. DH is 29 so he is about a year and a half older than me. His next youngest brother is about 4 years older than him and my brother is 5 years older than me. My brother and his brother went to school together and were really close friends for a long time. But the rest of the brother and sisters are at least 8 years older and up from the two youngest. So they are all in their mid to upper 40s and yet we sometimes have more fun with them then we do our own friends. ha I too am the baby which is surprising because usually two "baby"s don't get along very well at least that is what i have heard.
My boss jokes around about everyone liking me and that it is impossible not to like me and then all this stuff happens with SIL. ha at least I know the rest of my family and dhs family supports me.
My moms birthday was earlier this week and because of everything that happened my brother didn't even call her to wish her happy b-day. I am so mad at the way they handled everything. They better apologize to my mom (at the very least) if they want me to think about dealing with them again.

Sorry I am ranting....

darlagonzalez63

03-04-2011, 04:54 PM

wow...I am a putz! lol I just posted on the old thread...But congrats on 6yrs!! :)

I am glad to hear everyone is doing well...haha I am hoping you guys have good news...I think I am not going to have AF this month because of my wisdom teeth being pulled last month...I was supposed to get it today/yesterday but she seems to be hiding...and I really have no pms..except me being crank LOL

I will re-ask my question I was wondering if you guys ever heard of Maca root...I had heard it was really a miracle extract that boosts fertitliy...in men and women...I was reading how some women with PCOS used it along with Vitex and other suppliments that regulated insulin and saw results within the three months...idk...thought it sounded interesting and if you guys haven't heard of it than haha I'd share something new with you guys! I am going to re-ask the question as a new thread as well! I wish you all the best!!! :) happy homone vibes your way! lol

cmschapp

03-05-2011, 12:38 AM

I have heard of it and thought about trying it but I am not sure since I am seeing some good results with what I am taking now. My mom needs to reorder some stuff soon so I will give it some thought and look it up on the science journals to see if I find any studies on it.

Well hopefully you get AF soon even though you don't have symptoms. Some women when they start DCI don't have any PMS symptoms...

thanks for the wishes! Technically only 3 count as being married but I wouldn't trade him in for anything!

AFM- I am so sore from the two workouts I did this week but I am gonna try to get another one in. I don't have any signs of O so I am kind of worried but last cycle I didn't get it until day 25. I had some beer last night and that always screws with my temps so I have no way of knowing if that temp is accurate except that I have no CM that I can see. Oh well just need to relax.

emmilynn

03-05-2011, 02:24 PM

Ugh, family drama is the worst but considering you are the "baby" like me, you're being more mature than your older family members. So, good for you! And the screwy temps due to the beer happens with me too. I usually just end up discarding the temp after drinking the night before because it isn't too accurate and throws off the rest of my chart. I hope you O soon like last cycle though!

Darla - I have heard of Maca Root too but have not done any research on it. I wonder if it's one of the ingredients in Vitex? Hopefully, AF comes for you. I'm sort of waiting on her too!

More spotting today but it's more like a light flow now. TMI, was kind of brownish blood yesterday and today is a bit more red. But still not enough to really need a tampon. I'll leave my chart for now but will probably end up changing it to CD 1. Strange AF! Usually when she shows, it's like BAM - heavy flow and cramps but this time is totally different. Annoying lol

kerricalabrese

03-06-2011, 11:44 AM

Hi Ladies,
Just a quick post...

I stopped taking DCI as of yesterday, this is getting nuts already. Nothing that I've read that people have taken for PCOS has ever worked for me. So, I'll see how the next week goes and if still no confirmed ovulation a week from now, I'll go to the RE, get a scan and bloodwork and see if they want to induce AF.

Kerri

kerricalabrese

03-06-2011, 12:10 PM

I HATE these long cycles, I just weighed myself after being diligent with Weight Watchers and I actually GAINED a little!! WTF!! So discouraging.

Kerri

cmschapp

03-06-2011, 01:53 PM

Kerri- I am sorry you are discouraged. IMHO I don't think you have taken the DCI long enough to know if it going to work or not. The long cycles are a pain. To be honest from what I remember you have been through a lot with the RE with no success and they had months and months to work with you. The natural supplements take longer typically between 3-6 months to work. If you feel this isn't the path you want to take then it might be best to go back to the RE and see if they can help. I hope you end up with a BFP with whatever you decide to do.

cmschapp

03-06-2011, 01:56 PM

kerricalabrese

03-06-2011, 07:05 PM

Christina,
Yeah, I've definately stopped the DCI. I do plan on doing more IUI's but not until after I've lost some weight. I think for me, my weight is most of the battle.

Kerri

cmschapp

03-07-2011, 09:52 AM

Christina,
Yeah, I've definately stopped the DCI. I do plan on doing more IUI's but not until after I've lost some weight. I think for me, my weight is most of the battle.

Kerri

Its possible they say if you lose 5-10% that is enough to make a big difference. But that is easier said than done. Are you exercising along with your WW?
I exercised Thursday, Friday and Saturday and then again today.
M,W,F I am doing resistance training.
T,TH,SA I am doing an interval cardion workout Like tabatas.

AFM- I am still taking the inositol and hopefully I will O soon I think the whole sinus infection threw me off a bit so hopefully soon. I still need to send the paper work to insurance to know if they will cover acu. But hopefully I will find out soon enough.

GL Ladies!

emmilynn

03-07-2011, 11:38 AM

Kerri - I'm so sorry about it all! I hope you don't need to make that RE appt and have AF induced but at the same time, I can totally see your frustration with everything. And gaining weight while you're actively trying to lose has happened to me too...it sucks. Stupid PCOS makes everything so hard! :(

Christina - good job with the workouts! You are extra dedicated to workout in the morning. I never could do that and always had better luck going after work in the evening, even though I was wiped out by then!

AFM, I'm kicking up the workouts now. I bought a cute summer dress this weekend and want to lose a little more weight before I wear it. Plus, I'm putting together a little mini-H.S. reunion with some girls I haven't seen in years so I want to look good for that!

Also, still "spotting" since last Friday. It's sort of a light flow, really but it's brown blood, not red so I don't know whether to think this is AF or not? Anyone else had this happen after an anovulatory cycle? I'm thinking it's the uterine lining shedding old blood that built up this cycle but it doesn't feel like the normal AF so I don't know whether to start my chart over or continue marking "spotting" :confused: ugh!

cmschapp

03-07-2011, 12:14 PM

Em- Not sure what to tell you on the spotting. I would probably keep marking spotting since its not really full flow.

kerricalabrese

03-07-2011, 03:59 PM

cmschapp

03-07-2011, 04:17 PM

Christina, that's great that you are doing all that exercising and staying motivated. I do it for a day, then don't go back to it until the next week, LOL!

EM, sorry to hear you are still spotting, I know how frustrating that is.

Well, my follow up blood test came back and both my PCP and RE are in agreement that I'm to stop taking the Metformin. My renal levels came back a "tad elevated" according to my PCP nurse so I have to stop it and go back in 2 weeks for a follow up. I wonder if there is anything else my RE can give me? He had said the Met doesn't help shorten your cycles, it only helps with egg maturity. I started taking it at the end of 2005 so after 5 years, it's starting to cause issues I guess.

I have an appt tomorrow at 9:30 at my RE's office for a scan and blood. Can't wait to see what the heck is going on here!

I also cracked a part of a tooth that is already heavily filled, last night, so I have a 2PM dental appt tomorrow. I can't win here!!

Kerri

That stinks that you have to go off the metformin. Perhaps that is the reason that the DCI isn't helping too much. If met never helped with your cycles that could make sense why the DCI isn't. Hopefully they can tell you something useful. That stinks about the tooth too! You can win maybe just not when you want to ;). GL with the tests and the dentist!

AFM- I just ranted to DH on yahoo IM. I am feeling so stressed right now because of all of the family drama and because my cycle is not what I expected. I did 2 sessions of acupuncture last cycle and I am just wondering if that was the difference? I still think my sinus infection didn't help. I just need something that will help reduce my stress levels because my jaw hurts and I only grind my teeth or clench my jaws when I am stressed.

mariegilbert

03-07-2011, 06:09 PM

cmschapp

03-07-2011, 07:15 PM

Hey all! I have spent the afternoon reading up on this thread. I have been doing a lot of research lately and decided to try the DCI. I am really excited about the possibilites.

The last time I posted anything on this site was almost a year ago (last May) and I am wanting to get involved. From what I've read, you all seem to be wonderful ladies!

**hope to be accepted into the group** :cool:

Hi Marie! Glad you found us! Some of us are taking regular Inositol and not DCI but we talk about both. Thanks for the compliment. Are you taking anything else besides DCI and are you trying to conceive? Hope you have some good results with the DCI!!

emmilynn

03-07-2011, 08:19 PM

Sorry, ladies about all the frustration here lately! Kerri, I'm sorry about the Met and needing to stop. Maybe just a short break from it will get your levels back to normal? I'm excited for your results at the RE though. It will be a big relief to get some sort of explanation. Hopefully the scan and bloodwork bring good news!

Christina - sorry about the stress. I hate when you start to think that not doing something like acu or exercise etc. are the reasons for differences in cycle to cycle outcomes. But on the bright side, even O'ing sometime this week will be an improvement over some of your other cycles. I wish you could see an improvement with each cycle but maybe that sinus infection combined w/ stress is setting things back slightly? I know stress can play a BIG part in cycles. Hopefully you O soon though!

I just went ahead and changed my chart to start a new cycle. Doesn't really make a difference in the long run since I'm not TTC. Could just be a weird AF since 1) I didn't ovulate 2) all the supplements I'm taking and 3) it's the 1st cycle off BCP so I bet that's why it was so wacky. I'll contine to temp and can change my chart back to the old one if I O this week or something crazy, lol

Edit: Wanted to say Hi Marie! Didn't see your post earlier when I did mine but welcome to the group! I'm not taking the DCI (yet) but take Inositol like Christina. I'm also taking some of the some supplements as you. Good luck w/ the DCI and here's to hoping you have great results!

cmschapp

03-08-2011, 09:12 AM

Ha apparently I can't read. I didn't see that you (Marie) had your supplements in your signature. Opps.

Em- I definitely think the BCP could have messed up your cycle and this one is just crazy and will get better. It won't hurt to change your chart you could always change it back. I know that stress can make or break you. I would have thought with exercise that would be alleviating some of that. I have read that ibuprofen can set back ovulation and I took that the entire time I had my sinus infection because of the headaches. I am going to read up some more on it and see if I can find out why.

cmschapp

03-08-2011, 09:55 AM

I wish I would have read this sooner!
Says there was a study done and NSAID drugs can delay ovulation by +/- 5 days.
This makes me feel a little better. So hopefully I will ovulate. I will be going to the store to get some TYLENOL!
http://www.redpeonyhealth.com/acupuncture-fertility-clinic-portland/154/can-ibuprofen-interfere-with-ovulation/

emmilynn

03-08-2011, 11:39 AM

I heard that about NSAIDs too! Especially, if you take them every day around O time, it can definitely mess with things. The Tylenol is a good idea to switch! Or maybe a low dose baby aspirin? Not sure if that will help much with relieving the sinus issues but the baby aspirin increases blood flow to the uterus and supposedly creates a better environment for implantation.

Hope that nasty sinus infection goes away for good. It's messing things up for you!

kerricalabrese

03-08-2011, 12:19 PM

That NSAID thing is interesting, so that includes Ibuprofen?? I only use Ibuprofen, maybe I'll switch to Tylenol...

OK, so I had my scan and bloodwork done, blood will come back tomorrow. The scan showed my lining being on the thick, post-ov side at 11. But, I've always had a nice thick lining, regardless. I had like 16 follicles on the left, all small, the largest was an 11 and the right had about 10, less than 10 in size. The PA thinks I may have ovulated but I showed her my chart and she goes, "nobody really does this anymore, you seem very organized." Well, with PCOS you have to be, otherwise I'd never know where I was at. Pretty much, the blood will tie this all together. In any case, she gave me a script for Prometrium, just in case, but she told me not to fill until they call me tomorrow. If I ovulated, then I'd be very surprised and that would mean that temps really mean nothing. But, we shall see!!!!

Kerri

cmschapp

03-08-2011, 12:40 PM

Em- I think the sinus infection is finally gone, but it did enough damage to this cycle! I am confused about the aspirin because that looks like it is part of the NSAID group. I know it acts as a blood thinner so maybe that is why it improves blood flow?

Kerri- I hope you get some answers with your blood work. I usually only take ibuprofen too. This makes me feel a little better as to why I am possibly going longer than usual waiting on O. I am surprised the PA made the comment about the charting. Obviously people still do it ha... I agree we have to be organized. We can't let any opportunity slip by so we have to know! I haven't had a P4 done after I thought I ovulated recently. But I have always gotten a clear temp shift when I did ovulate.

AFM- On a side note does anyone notice they "smell" different around ovulation? Its not a bad smell or anything just different. I can tell if AF is coming by smell too. I am wondering if I can smell my own pheromones or something.

kerricalabrese

03-08-2011, 01:07 PM

My RE just called me and we spoke about the Metformin. He had said that most times that is only given to PCOS'ers who are pre-diabetic or diabetic, not just because you have PCOS, since nothing will cure the PCOS. I found that odd. My OB/GYN put me on it in 2005, after doing 2 Clomid rounds and my P4 showing a low level. Nobody has ever questioned it, either my former RE or this one. He suggested that maybe I do a 2 hr sugar test and if I need the Metformin, then fine, resume taking it, if not, why bother? I have to go to my PCP on the 21st for a blood test, but the nurse didn't say what it was for or if I should fast for it. I just called them now and left them a message. With the 2 hr sugar test, you need to be there for a few hours, she didn't tell me that, so I need to know. All my RE told me prior to this is the Metformin helps mature the eggs, nothing else.

Kerri

emmilynn

03-08-2011, 01:24 PM

Kerri - that's interesting about the scan! I'm anxious to see what the bloodwork shows. I read on FF once that PCOS can cause erratic BBT even post-o, making a thermal shift hard to see sometimes. Maybe something weird like that is going on? Or another theory, if you haven't O'd yet, could that bigger follicle continue to grow and then you could O in a week or so? Hope the bloodwork sheds some light on the situation.

And that's crazy about the Metformin! It's so shocking to see how that is Rx'd so easily without necessary tests! If your P4 level was low after ovulation, that sounds like a progesterone deficiency and the fix for that is progesterone supplements, not Met. :confused: I'd say that glucose test is a definite requirement. Hope you can get in soon for that. I've only ever had fasting glucose checked but not the 1 or 2 or 3 hour tests done where they have you drink the sugary drink and then take blood at hourly intervals. Or a test of insulin levels. Seems most logical to see if you really need the Met.

Christina - I'm not too sure of the baby aspirin. I read briefly on it back when I was first TTC but seems as though it may be better suited for those who don't have trouble ovulating. Maybe more beneficial to someone with clotting disorder? It's probably best to not taking any sort of pain reliever prior to O in a perfect world. But definitely illness can delay ovulation in some way. I never notice any kind of different smell around O time. Maybe it does have something to do w/ pheramones. Then again, I'd be the last person to smell a gas leak so I'm not too good in that department anyway, lol

Edit: I rolled my eyes when you said the part about the doc making a comment about charting. It IS the only way to have some control and knowledge over cycles! Especially when you spend so long TTC and going through treatments, there would be no other way to have a record of your cycles and everything you've been through. My RE sounded surprised when I told her I charted and even when I told her exactly what CD I was on at the visit. Guess they're used to having a bunch of dummies as patients or something, lol

cmschapp

03-08-2011, 01:24 PM

Well I know Metformin is used for insulin resistance which is why it is for pre-diabetics/ diabetics. I have never had the glucose test done either. My RE assumed I didn't need it. I guess he thought I wasn't overweight and therefore not possible to have insulin resistance. I think it does have some effect on the eggs but that is not its main purpose.

Ha Em we must have posted at the same time. I think I will stick to tylenol if i have to have something. I have seen others using baby aspirin and I am thinking that your reasoning about the clotting might be correct. I will try to avoid OTC stuff altogether.

kerricalabrese

03-08-2011, 01:33 PM

Yeah, now you can see why I'm so confused?? In 2 weeks, I don't even know if they are testing my sugar or just another repeat of the renal stuff, to make sure the levels are coming down since stopping the Met. I have to find out when she calls me back later. They tested my fasting sugar level last week and nothing was said about that from my PCP to the RE.

EM - You could be right about the erratic post-ov temps, we'll see. It's very possible that I haven't ovulated yet and in that case, I'm still in the game! As far as the P4 thing goes, you're right, I guess my OB/GYN did what she felt was right. They did an HSG on me and said that all was clear back in 2005 (the OB/GYN), only to find out, when I started seeing my former RE, she looked at the report and had me do another HSG with her and indeed, I was loaded with polyps! I was so irate, I was asking my DH who works for a hospital to ask their lawyer if I could sue...the answer was no, but I was so mad. Negligence!

emmilynn

03-08-2011, 01:44 PM

Ugh, what a disaster, Kerri! I'd be livid about the HSG fiasco and I would have sued in that situation if I could too! It's so maddening to see people go through hoops with all these doctors and each one says/does something contradicting the previous doctor. They put you through the gamete of tests but it always just seems like "standardized" tests when they could be looking more in depth at a couple of areas. I'm convinced that glucose testing should be more thorough for us, since PCOS is so heavily related to diabetes. In any case, I hope they end up doing the whole shabang for you.

cmschapp

03-08-2011, 02:24 PM

I agree with emmily!. We go thru so many things you would think DRs could take 2 mins and do it right the first time.

kerricalabrese

03-09-2011, 11:12 AM

Good Morning Ladies!

Still waiting to hear from my RE nurse, they usually call with blood results sometime after noon.

I checked with my PCP and I don't have to fast for the blood test in 2 weeks. They will be doing Hemoglobin and A1C...kidney function and sugar.

Kerri

cmschapp

03-09-2011, 12:06 PM

I don't think I could fast for anything. hah
On a positive note looks like my body is trying to O. I have had 3 days of EWCM!

kerricalabrese

03-09-2011, 01:26 PM

Fasting isn't all that bad, especially if your bloodwork appt is in the morning. I've had surgeries where it was scheduled for around lunch time and by then, I'm famished!

My RE nurse just called and said that "everything is quiet" as far as my blood goes so definately fill the script for the Prometrium so I can have a "withdrawl bleed" since it's been 43 days! I have to call them when AF does come, just so they know. They also have a nutritionist that I could see if I wanted and she said that most people who see her, have great success. I'm doing the WW so I told her I'll see how I do over the next few weeks and take it from there. I'm hoping that once AF comes, I lose more weight, LOL!

Kerri

cmschapp

03-09-2011, 01:37 PM

Well at least you know where to go from here! Perhaps you were just low on progesterone and never o'd. I o'd when I took a round of prometrium because i took it for 5 or 10 days and then didn't get my period until 15 days after i finished the RX. I think that along with my supplements helped kick start my body.

kerricalabrese

03-09-2011, 01:44 PM

Oh yeah, I definately want to end this cycle!

Kerri

emmilynn

03-09-2011, 02:34 PM

That's good about the bloodwork then, Kerri! Glad you can start the prometrium and get this cycle over with. Hopefully that b/w in two weeks is more good news! WW will only help you in the long run. Weight loss can help "fix" so many other areas. I just wish it was easier for us to lose the weight. I feel like I have to run a marathon every day just to maintain my weight. Ugh :( But, I'll keep pushing on!

Christina - woo-hoo for your body! I bet you O soon!

AFM - Crazy as it sounds, I'm taking the steps to look into an egg donor program. I've been throwing the idea around in my head for the last few months and today, I contacted a donor bank and filled out their questionnaire. It's a long shot since I'm at the very limit of the age cut-off and not sure how they will view me as a candidate since I have PCOS too. The process is much like IVF so I have no doubt that the injectables/meds will work for ovulation, it's just a matter of them finding me to be a good donor candidate. My overall health is good and have no genetic disorders/history so I'm being optimistic! I would truly love to help someone else experiencing infertility and this is a great way to do it. I should hear back from the place in 5 business days so keep your fingers crossed for me ladies! :)

kerricalabrese

03-09-2011, 02:44 PM

EM - The egg donor idea sounds great, what a gift to give to those who really need it!

Kerri

cmschapp

03-09-2011, 02:52 PM

emmilynn

03-09-2011, 03:01 PM

Thank you both for the support! I'd gladly go through a month of treatments and procedures if it means a baby for someone else at the end of the road! We'll see if I get rejected. Not getting my hopes up too much!

Christina - I was going to ask earlier if you're using the fertility monitor this cycle? I hope the OPKs work for you and I know what you mean about holding urine and limit fluids and all the inconvenience of using them. But, when you get a surge, you can time everything better!

cmschapp

03-09-2011, 03:27 PM

I didn't get to use the fertility monitor this cycle because I didn't have the test sticks or the monitor in time. I would love it if I bought it for no reason :) The opks didn't work too well last time but I am hoping that since my cycles are more regular that they might work.

emmilynn

03-09-2011, 05:04 PM

Oh, ok. What brand of OPKs are you using? I've used everything from the internet cheapie (IC) strips to the fancy store-bought kind. Seemed to have the best luck with the cheapies from Amazon.com. Saw a better progression on them whereas the store-bought kind seem to give me false positives and the test line was harder to distinguish. Can't wait for your + !

mariegilbert

03-09-2011, 05:53 PM

Hey all, sorry I wasn't around yesterday. It seems like you guys are always talking about something new... so hard to keep up!!

Thanks for the welcome!! Well, I started the DCI on Monday (2 days ago) and have had a headache today.... any connection?! When I went off the BCP a couple years ago, i had a HORRIBLE headache that lasted hours. This one is not as bad, but it feels a little the same... hm.

I hope this isn't TMI, but I've been spotting for the last month... its crazy!!
The only thing I can connect with that is losing the 18lbs or so on Atkins. Maybe my body is trying to jump-start itself... any thoughts??

Hope you all have had a great day! (Prison life isn't easy...)

(I work in a prison... so no, I'm not a trouble-maker...)

cmschapp

03-09-2011, 10:03 PM

Em-I used some opks i got from Baby wishes cheapest I found at the time. I held my urine for 4 hours but I think it may have been watered down some because I only had the control line which is better than I remember from before. Where I would always get 2 lines and I had to figure out if the test line was darking then the control line.

Marie- I had horrible headaches for some time that I realized are hormone related. Now that my hormones are evening out and my cycles are becoming more consistent they are going away. So its possible it could be related. Losing weight can help a lot from what all the docs say. So that is a good thing anyway. I hope DCI either helps you get AF or stops the spotting.

mariegilbert

03-09-2011, 10:21 PM

Amen to that!! I think the last time AF decided to show her face was in September... so I'm WAY over-due. I'm excited because I just started charting as well. I am definately learning a lot!!

cmschapp

03-10-2011, 09:04 AM

Learning is key. The more you chart the more you understand about your body. We really have to do a lot of research to learn what options are available to us. We can't rely on doctors to know what is best. They don't know our bodies they way we do.

When I get time I look up different things on Science Journals that I have access to via DH so that is nice! They hold studies and articles and the kinds of things that have facts associated to them.

Just looking at your signature I see you didn't go for the 08/08/08! One of my good friends got married on that Friday :)

kerricalabrese

03-10-2011, 12:41 PM

Hi Marie, welcome to the group!!

Kerri

emmilynn

03-10-2011, 01:09 PM

Marie - I noticed headaches when I first started the Inositol. Maybe there's some connection to your headaches and the DCI? I hope the spotting means things are getting on track and maybe AF will show up! I bet the weight loss has some conntection too. 18 pounds can certainly impact hormones. Are you charting using a BBT (basal body thermometer)? That and tracking CM can help out a lot when it comes to figuring out cycles. I started charting back in Jan '10 and it gives me comfort to know what's going on. Knowledge really is key! Oh and you got married the day before my b-day (8/10) lol :D

Christina - As weird as it sounds but not seeing that 2nd line can actually be a good thing! I always got a fairly dark 2nd line regardless if it was CD 7, 17, or 37! That indicated my LH levels were high and probably why I never had very good luck w/ OPKs. Even on my Clomid cycle where I O'd late and had major cramps, bloat and EWCM, I still never saw a + and I used the cheapie OPKs AND the digital kind. But then I got a temp shift so I know I O'd. That was frustrating! Hopefully today's has some sort of line and shows you're getting closer to O. Going from no line, to a light line to positive is much more reassuring anyway!

cmschapp

03-10-2011, 02:22 PM

emmilynn

03-10-2011, 05:36 PM

I hope not Christina! Fingers crossed for some fertile CM! Maybe it's the calm before the storm LOL

mariegilbert

03-10-2011, 11:55 PM

Christina - Yep, I'm using a BBT thermometer. Still trying to figure out the CM buisness, but I am trying. A friend of mine tried to get me charting, but I didn't stay on that wagon for long (maybe a week?). I'm trying to be better about it though because I think I will learn a lot from it (which is also what I hear...)

As for the wedding day, it is two day's after DH's birthday and 6 days before the 'rents anniversary. (I really wanted it to be Sept 15th, but DH started grad school.... he's my genius :D )

Kerri- Thanks for the welcome!!

For the moment, I'm about to get ready for bed... had bible study tonight.. and it was FANTASTIC!! I'm so excited about it (today was day 1 for me!!) ... gotta keep up the faith!!

Hope you all had a wonderful day and I hope tomorrow's great!!
Peace to you all!!;)

cmschapp

03-11-2011, 09:13 AM

EM- Thanks for the Cheering!

Marie-CM can be tricky something unless you actually use your fingers to check. Which I do not do. I usually have enough of the EWCM that I can see it when I wipe. Once you get in the habit of temping you won't even know. I take my temp with a digital bbt and plug it into fertilityfriend and let it do the work. Glad you had a bible study. I really need to get more involved. There just aren't too many people at my church that are my age so it makes it feel awkward for me.

AFM- This might be TMI- DH and I bd last night anyway and afterward it seemed like there was CM when I went potty later. (Not all of that could have been DH :) )
Then I had some CM morning. I should note that I don't check CM by going up there so that could be why I didn't see any before. My temp is lower and I did adjust it a little because I took it later then that past couple of days. But I took an OPK when I got home from work yesterday and it did have a line but not a dark one so I am getting close because Wednesday's didn't have anything! We have a great BD schedule so I am excited. My plan is to BD tonight before we go down to Turfway to watch some live horse racing! We will see....

kerricalabrese

03-11-2011, 11:56 AM

Christina - I hope you ovulate soon. As for me, I chart my BBT, and check CP and CM, I do it all! :p I get fertile CM for several days prior to ovulating so I can't go based on just CM or CP but it helps tie it all together.

This is day 2 of the Prometrium, 8 more days to go. I don't even want to weigh myself on Mon for fear that nothing happened, can't wait for this bloat to go away and things can go back to normal, whatever that is!

Kerri

cmschapp

03-11-2011, 12:23 PM

Thanks Kerri I think I am really close I have had CM for like 4-5 days now. I will try to take another opk when I get home today. We are meeting some friends and going down to Turfway to watch some horse racing. So we have to squeeze in BD before we go :)

kerricalabrese

03-11-2011, 07:48 PM

I weighed myself this morning, even though my normal Weigh Day is Monday and I lost 2 lbs since Monday of this week! I just hope the number doesn't go up between today and Monday morning, LOL!

Kerri

mariegilbert

03-12-2011, 12:39 AM

Christina- good luck and much baby dust to you!!

AFM- I have spent the day worrying about my friend Paul in Japan. Just 5 mins ago I heard that he is doing fine. I was soooooo worried. I'm sure God heard many prayers.

I'm off for the night to say some prayers and sleep. Many peaceful dreams and much love to you all!!

kerricalabrese

03-12-2011, 03:25 PM

Marie, I'm glad that your friend in Japan is safe. I feel so bad for those poor people. Just like on 9/11, everyone was frantic until they heard from their loved ones...

Kerri

cmschapp

03-13-2011, 03:49 PM

Kerri- Its always nice to see the lbs come off. I was down 2 lbs too then yesterday I was back up 2 lbs. ha

Marie- Thanks for the baby dust!

I am still not sure i o'd. I still have more CM today. Its possible my body was trying to O and some stress got in the way so it is trying again.... DH is getting tired of bd because I thought I was close to O... Oh well he has to suck it up.... :)

kerricalabrese

03-13-2011, 08:10 PM

Christina - To me, it doesn't look like you have O yet either. Isn't it frustrating?? My cycles were good for several months, then all of a sudden, they got out of whack again.

DH and I are usually like little bunnies in the BD dept, this is the first cycle where we were doing it every 2 days or so. Good thing, since this cycle is a bust anyway!

Kerri

mariegilbert

03-13-2011, 10:13 PM

Random question:

Because our hormones are all out of whack, is it common for ppl with PCOS to not be in the mood to bd...like ever...?

I find that and the lack of CM are some of the most frustrating things. I am so glad DH is supportive and understanding, but I still feel bad. but I'm just not in the mood...

Sorry for the rambling, but any insight?

kerricalabrese

03-14-2011, 09:20 AM

Marie - Good question about the mood/BD. DH has the sex drive of a teenager (he's going to be 40 in Oct), whereas I'm more a bit of the opposite. Not sure if it has to do with PCOS or not. I'll be 36 next week and when I was younger, I was a sexual dynamo, now, not so much, LOL! I think it's in part due to the fact that we have been TTC since the middle of 2005.

Kerri

cmschapp

03-14-2011, 11:31 AM

I had thought because testosterone was higher in women with PCOS that we actually had a higher sex drive but maybe I am making that up. I used to want it all the time. It seems like the more I take my supps the more i am decreasing in sex drive because my hormones are leveling out...

emmilynn

03-14-2011, 01:16 PM

Hey ladies!

Hope everyone had a great weekend. That e-quake over in Japan sure was a shock, huh? I have some friends stationed at the air base there. Luckily, everyone is ok that I know. Then there were Tsunami fears sweeping over the west coast here. My brother is up in N. Calif. and saw some crazy waves out in the ocean but no real threat.

Anyway, I ate nothing but junk this weekend and feel bad now. I'm not touching the scale until later this week after I've worked out and flushed the "bad stuff" outta me LOL. The weather has gotten hot here so my chart looks like a roller coaster. But, it looks like a roller coaster most of the time anyway, ha.

I used to think I had a really high sex drive but I'm really not sure now. I haven't been in a relationship since my divorce and it's kind of scary to admit I don't miss sex that much! I always seemed to have a higher drive than my ex but his was low to begin with. I think that it can have a lot to do with hormones flucuating and when TTC for a long time, it does wear on you.

Anyway, hope everyone's well!

cmschapp

03-14-2011, 03:46 PM

Hey EM- When you do find out about being a donor?
AFM- Still no O. I hope I am getting close. I might need to take a break from this site it might be adding additional stress. Since I do so much checking and research. Maybe I just need to limit my internet to work related things. I still think the sinus infection and ibuprofen usage didn't help so we will see if I ever o...

kerricalabrese

03-14-2011, 04:37 PM

I just got a call from the benefits coordinator at my RE's office. She said that we have one IVF left, can you believe it?? When I got PG the first time and had the chemical, that counted as still being PG and when you get PG, they give you one extra cycle within a certain timeframe. I had 3 IVF's and 6 IUI's to use. I have to have my transfer done by 5/14, which means I have to get started as soon as AF comes...blood, HSG and meeting with the RE and Darrin needs updated blood again. I'm literally shaking! I had wanted to wait until I lost at least 20 lbs before doing an IUI and now I'm going to have to start suppression as soon as AF comes. I just spoke with Darrin and he said he's on board with it (but he's not thrilled or excited because of how the other 3 turned out), but he believes that conception will happen whenever it's meant to, it's up to God and nobody else. I agree and having had 3 failures before, it's scary, but I think this is why I'm not meant to find another job right now. I just said that to my mom or my friend Diane yesterday, that there has to be a reason why I can't find a job...well, this is it. From now until all of this is over, I'm going to have to be strict with Weight Watchers and start working out, because all the injections can cause weight gain, and on average, I do about 45 shots each cycle...

Kerri

cmschapp

03-14-2011, 04:49 PM

WOW. That is a good thing that you get another IVF! Even a little bit of weight loss can help even if it is not as much as you wanted to lose. God will bless you with a child in his timing! GL and baby dust :)

kerricalabrese

03-14-2011, 04:56 PM

Thanks! The whole process is so tiring and nerve wracking, from the first time you get your follicles checked. You first hope to produce enough, which for me and PCOS, is so easy, LOL! Then, you hope that they are able to get enough at retrieval, then you hope that you don't lose too many initially, and then you hope they keep dividing and doing great right up until the transfer and Beta. We've done ICSI each time and that seemed to cause the least loss after retrieval and Assisted Hatching right before transfer because my zona (the follicles shell) is hard...all this we found out during IVF #1.

Kerri

emmilynn

03-14-2011, 06:14 PM

Christina - sorry about O'ing. Could just be a few days delayed and your CM seems to indicate good things so keeping my fingers crossed! I can totally understand about needing to take a break from this site. It just adds to the stress so take all the time you need!

Kerri - that's so GREAT about the IVF! I look at it as a fresh start for you. Just scratch the other IUI's and IVF's off and concentrate this one as being the success! Sounds like you and your docs know what to expect and what works and what doesn't so that's in your favor! Wow, it's going to happen so quickly and I'm so excited for you. Keep us posted on everything. This is super incentive for sticking to WW and weight loss too! I'm excited for you! :)

AFM, no word yet on the donor thing. I think I submitted my app last wednesday or thurs and they confirmation e-mail I got said they would contact me within 5 business days if selected. If not selected, I won't hear back from them. I'm worried cuz it's a long shot w/ my age and PCOS but to me, it's worth the effort. I'm crossing my fingers!! :)

kerricalabrese

03-14-2011, 08:22 PM

Thanks Em! I wish you a lot of luck too with the donor program, I hope you are selected. Having been thru IVF 3 times and now the 4th, I know what a gift it is!

Kerri

anniej1469

03-14-2011, 10:14 PM

hey everyone. im new to this site. I just found out about DCI and wanted to know people's thoughts, experiences, dosage recommendations, side effects, what other supplements are you taking with it and etc? i did some research on it, but no research is better than other people's experiences.
thanks!
anna

kerricalabrese

03-16-2011, 11:19 AM

Hi Annie!
Welcome to our little group! I tried DCI for 2 months, but for me, it didn't improve my cycle at all. I can't afford to keep taking it in the hopes that it will work someday. Plus, I'm getting ready to do IVF #4 so I wouldn't need it anyway. Good luck!

Kerri

anniej1469

03-16-2011, 12:27 PM

Hi Kerri!
thank you! im glad to finally find this site. its nice to talk to people that have the same syndrome. yea, it seems to be rather an expensive supplement and i really can't afford it either which is why i wanna make sure its worth picking up a second job to pay for lol. well congrats on iv#4!!!!! and thank you for your reply.

emmilynn

03-16-2011, 12:44 PM

Hi Annie! I know I said hi on another thread but wanted to welcome you here too! There are a couple of other ladies in this thread who recently started DCI and then there's myself and one other that are taking Inositol too. It's pretty active here and we learn a lot from eachother. Glad you found the forum here. I've learned a Ton of information and it's always nice to know you're not alone with PCOS! :)

cmschapp

03-16-2011, 02:03 PM

I told DH I would stay away but I can't resist! I think my goal will be to only talk and not do additional research.

Annie-
Welcome to our thread! I take 2250mg of Inositol not DCI. I seem to only have side effects if I increase my dosage. Usually that just consists of an afternoon of the runs. I am also taking the supplements in my signature. I feel like the inositol helped with my mood and outlook. I believe it is also responsible for helping my ovulate and have a period.

Kerri- I think I said this already but I hope you get your little miracle with IVF#4!

Em- Hope you are doing well. I hope this cycle is shorter than your last cycle.

AFM- I decided to get tough on myself. I am trying to eat better and exercise everyday! Easier said than done but hopefully it helps. FF says that I ovulated on Sunday but I just don't know my temps are usually much higher after O. If my temps don't go up I am tempted to use an RX for prometrium to start a new cycle. This one has driven me nuts. I think if I kick start my system again that it should help...

emmilynn

03-16-2011, 03:20 PM

Ha! It's ok to come back, Christina. I agree, just limit it to posts and maybe that won't stress you out too much. As for O, maybe it's just a slow rise in progesterone? FF still gave you CH so that's good! And good job for sticking to the exercise! Hope you don't have to take the prometrium but can totally understand if you do. Long cycles are so crazy annoying! :(

Kerri - any signs of the witch yet?

AFM - I bit the bullet this morning and made an appt w/ an OB/GYN. I was hesitant since I don't currently have insurance but I figure even if its just a consult and to go over my cycles and PCOS stuff, I'd feel better. So, I found one in the area and from their website, looks like they deal w/ a bit of infertility too so here's hoping It brings something good! I'd like to get bloodwork done and talk about Metformin too. I'm not technically due for a pap until later this summer but I just have that lingering feeling that I should see a doc now. Appt is next Thursday!

Also, I'm noticing my temps lately have been on the lower side for me. In 15 months of charting, avg temps for me are in the 97.4 - 97.6 range pre-o and rarely dipped below 97.4. However, I started noticing more 97.0 - 97.3 temps last cycle and a few in the 96 range. That's so weird for me! Maybe it's the supplements? Even this cycle my temps are hovering in the low 97's. I'd like to think it's due to sleeping with just a light blanket at night with a fan on (it's in the 80's here during the day now) but maybe it's the supplements causing such low temps? It's puzzling. Anyway, I bumped up the Cinnamon to 2000mg a day from 1000mg and my Inositol is still at 1950 mg/day. Other than that, nothing significant to report. Hoping this cycle is much shorter than last one though! :p

anniej1469

03-16-2011, 07:21 PM

thanks cms!

does anyone know what the difference between Inositol and DCI is?

cmschapp

03-16-2011, 08:52 PM

Annie-The way i explain it is that they are 2 different forms of the same thing. The body has to convert inositol into DCI. The DCI is already in the usuable form so our body doesn't have to convert it which is why it is more expensive...

Em- Good luck at your appt! I saw that i had crosshairs but i am going to see what my temps are the next couple of days before I believe it... My temps were always pretty low so I am not sure. Could be the supps lowering it...

kerricalabrese

03-18-2011, 11:24 AM

We've been quiet here lately!

Weather here in NY is finally nice, right now it's 63, going to be around 65 today. Hopefully no more snow!

I'm spotting today, which means Day 1 should be here tomorrow and I also take my last Prometrium pill tomorrow as well. So, I'll go in on Monday for Day 3 bloods and get the script for the BCP, the consents, etc. With all this bloat and not having AF for almost 2 months, I doubt I lost anything this week, in fact, I may have gained a little. Hopefully once AF is all gone, I'll weigh myself and should see a difference. I'm going out to lunch with a friend in a little bit, so I'll try and be as good as I can but it's hard when you go out.

Kerri

cmschapp

03-18-2011, 01:45 PM

Kerri- I hope things go smoothly for you on IVF# 4! Have fun at lunch!

kerricalabrese

03-18-2011, 02:57 PM

Thanks Christina! The boring part of IVF is the suppression phase, but once you start the injections, for me, from that time to the ER and ET, it goes so fast!!

They are also going to thaw out the 5 embryos that they froze for me back in Nov of 2009, so they are ready on day of transfer. This way, in case the quality of the fresh aren't that great, we have 5 "backups." Those were of perfect quality so we'll see. I've read cases where embryos didn't survive the thaw or they lost too many cells and couldn't be used, etc. I better stop reading.

Kerri

cmschapp

03-18-2011, 06:09 PM

Well that is good that you have backups! They should have a pretty good plan for you since you been through it already!
I guess I ovulated according to FF. I am not too excited about this cycle it has been crazy. We did some good bd around O so i guess that is a good thing. I was almost ready to start prometrium and then FF gave me cross hairs. I guess i needed to threaten myself with a forced period. ha I plan to test on our anniversary. I may test a day before in case I am pregnant so I can do something special to surprise DH...

anniej1469

03-18-2011, 11:27 PM

Thank you for the explanation CMS! it helps a lot!

kerricalabrese

03-20-2011, 02:35 PM

AF came today, after 2 months...I hope it's not going to be a bad one! So, I'll go in on Tues morning for CD3 bloodwork and get my script for BCP's, to start on CD 5 I think.

So, we are officially in IVF Cycle #4...

I have to go back to my PCP tomorrow for I hope a final check on my kidney enzymes since stopping the Metformin. They also want to check my sugar (A1C) to make sure I'm not pre-diabetic and that I don't really need the Met. With stopping that cold-turkey, my body felt weird for several days. But, I'm fine now, so I hope I'm fine all around!

Kerri

cmschapp

03-20-2011, 09:26 PM

I hope your tests come back okay without the Met.

emmilynn

03-21-2011, 11:58 AM

Kerri - so excited for this cycle and to follow your journey! That's great about the 5 backup embryos too! Good luck with all the bloodwork and hopefully the adjustment back to no Metformin goes smoothly!

Christina - your chart looks great! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!

AFM - FF gave me dotted crosshairs but I know I didn't O. My chart is just wonky and my temps have been all over the place and I'm not sure why. Haven't had any EWCM or O pains. Looking forward to my doc appt on Thursday though! :D

kerricalabrese

03-21-2011, 03:09 PM

EM - It's hard to tell by your temps if you really O or not, I guess the next few days will hopefully tell the tale. They appear higher than the other ones, so hopefully you did!

Christina - How's everything with you??

Going for CD3 blood tomorrow and will also start BCP's tomorrow as well. Until I start the injections in about 2 weeks, my cycle will be pretty boring, lol!

Kerri

cmschapp

03-21-2011, 04:24 PM

EM- Usually my temps during AF are higher/all over the place. Then as I start to get close to O they level out some lower then once I o my temps go up. It looks like you could have o'd. It could take a few cycles to work out the hormones.

Kerri- I am doing okay. I don't feel so hot have felt nauseated but I think that was because I ate too much over the weekend. But now my ears and sinuses are acting up so hopefully I am not getting sick again.

My temps are up so that is good. I took it around 3:00 just to see what it was at and it was 98.80! Our anniversary is the 29th. I am going to test the day before but I am not telling DH just incase I am pregnant so I can surprise him for our anniversary. I am trying not to get to excited but I don't remember my temps being this high...

emmilynn

03-21-2011, 04:29 PM

Kerri - yeah, I've followed a few other IVF cycles on other forums and I guess they tend to get "boring" through the suppression and everything but it's got to be so exciting for someone going through it! I just hope you get good response from the stimming and that they can retrieve multiple eggs and get them to fertilize. But, you have the backups too so that's great! Are you aware that IVF is supposedly tax deductible? I came across an article on another forum about it. I can link it here if it's something you'd be interested in knowing more about.

Christina - your chart is climbing so that's great! Hopefully, you get that anniversary BFP!
Edit: I just saw you posted before me. I was going to also comment that your temps look higher than previous cycles and you have more of a "climb" than previous cycle so that's a good sign! I know anything is possible and not to really compare cycle to cycle but I'm feeling good for you. Just wanted to add that :D

My chart is just weird. Last week I was talking about having some unusually low temps for me (below 97.3) and now my temps are back to what they normally are pre-O (97.4 - 97.6) so I can see from the jump why FF thinks I O'd. Then again, the weather here is going from hot to cold and I sleep with a fan on so maybe that's effecting me? Oh well, time will tell and hopefully I can learn more at the doc appt :)

kerricalabrese

03-21-2011, 05:15 PM

EM - I think since all of our fertility treatsments are covered by insurance, the tax deductible thing probably won't apply to us. All we pay for one IVF cycle is $15 for the office appts, about $40 for all the meds and maybe around $100 for the blood draws, under $200 for a $20,000+ cycle! You can link the article, just in case it's not what I'm thinking...

Christina - I hope you get your anniversary BFP!

Kerri

cmschapp

03-21-2011, 07:21 PM

Thanks for all of the positivity. Hopefully I don't get sick. The weather has been up and down here to so I am hoping its just allergies...

kerricalabrese

03-22-2011, 09:53 AM

Christina - Your temps look great!!!!! Good luck to you!!

I went for my CD 3 blood work and got my script for the BCP, which I just dropped off to get filled. I also got my protocol, so I'm going over everything now. I'll put my tickers up as soon as I create them in FF. They have me on the "down reg" cycle, which I think is called the proantagonist cycle. They had me on that my first IVF, the 2nd and 3rd was the antagonist cycle. That first cycle wasn't that great, so I was a bit concerned. But, after going over the papers now, I see they are changing it up a bit, with more Follistim and Menopur instead of Low Dose HCG, etc. My saline sono and consult are next Wed.

My 36th bday is tomorrow and I get a bonus IVF as a gift, LOL!

Kerri

kerricalabrese

03-22-2011, 10:47 AM

I was only able to put 4 tickers up at a time, so I'll change them when appropriate.

Kerri

cmschapp

03-22-2011, 12:17 PM

Kerri- That has to be exciting knowing you now have another chance!
Em it looks like your temps are still going up too so maybe you did ovulate. I think they are dotted because it is only going by temps and nothing else. So that would be awesome. Guess you will find out in a week or so if AF comes.
AFM Pretty sure I am sick. I hope I caught it soon enough so it doesn't turn into a sinus infection. I stayed home from work the last two days which is nice but stinks because I am sick :( My temps are looking good. I am trying not to test early. I have two tests and I don't want to have to go buy more. I think it would be ironic that we bought the fertility monitor and the cycle before we could use it got pregnant! DH said he would be okay with that :)

emmilynn

03-22-2011, 12:27 PM

Kerri - Ok, I wasn't sure how your insurance worked with everything but here's the link I was talking about. Amazing how much stuff is actually tax deductible when you look at the list!!!! I already had my taxes done but there's so much more that I could have itemized!! Worth taking a look when you get a minute...

http://www.irs.gov/publications/p502/index.html

P.S. I love all the tickers! Makes it all so real :)

Christina - hope you start feeling better soon! I think it would be kind of funny if you get your BFP before you even get the chance to use the monitor! Oh well, you can save it for baby #2 in a few years then ;)

AFM - still not convinced I O'd! It would be a miracle to O this early into the cycle (and with not a single sign) but the only way to really tell is if AF shows up.

cmschapp

03-23-2011, 11:12 AM

blah so i still feel bad and my temp dropped a little. I am still using NPC so hopefully I can stretch the LP phase out some.

emmilynn

03-23-2011, 11:51 AM

Kerri - Happy Birthday!!!! :D

Christina - You're still way above your coverline so don't get too discouraged! Your chart still looks really good :)

cmschapp

03-23-2011, 11:58 AM

Thanks EM for the encouragement. I know I looked at a whole bunch of pregnancy charts and temps can really be all over the place.
Kerri- Happy Birthday! You still look 29 to me :)

kerricalabrese

03-23-2011, 01:30 PM

Thanks for the bday wishes ladies! Now that I'm 36, is this referred as "the late 30's" or still "mid 30's"?

Christina - Your chart still looks great. Fingers crossed for ya!

Kerri

cmschapp

03-23-2011, 01:32 PM

Kerri thanks for being hopeful for me. I think that still counts as mid thirties

kerricalabrese

03-23-2011, 01:59 PM

My RE's office called before and said the pharmarcy that I usually use for injectables is out of Lupron...back ordered til the summer! So, we can use another pharmacy as backup, and they have to process it a special way so it counts as being used "in network". It's mail order but I think they have to process it as "retail".

Kerri

cmschapp

03-23-2011, 02:15 PM

Wow I hope you are able to get the Lupron to continue with the IVF cycle.

kerricalabrese

03-23-2011, 02:34 PM

I can, it will just come from a pharmacy different from the other meds.

Kerri

cmschapp

03-23-2011, 02:39 PM

Oh okay. When you said Mail order I thought it might take a while.

emmilynn

03-23-2011, 04:39 PM

Don't you hate it when your pharmacy is out of something you need! I spent like 2 hours one day driving all over town for Femara and going through the hassle of getting the script transferred and yada, yada :rolleyes: Hope it comes soon, Kerri! That was nice of your RE to call with the heads up news though. And you are def still "mid 30s" but I agree, not looking a day past 29 ;)

Christina - yeah, I've seen crazy pregnancy charts on FF. Temps dipping below cover then spiking and dipping all over the place. I think generally progesterone peaks at 7 DPO so your temps are right in line with that. Fingers crossed!!

cmschapp

03-23-2011, 07:55 PM

I am starting to cramp not sure if that is good or bad. I am trying not to ready anything in to the so called signs but that is just the way our minds work...ha

cmschapp

03-24-2011, 11:49 AM

Not sure how i feel about the temp drop. I am trying to stay positive. It can go back up!

emmilynn

03-24-2011, 01:40 PM

Hang in there Christina! I have everything crossed for you!

Well I had my appt this morning. Just about the only good thing I have to say about that place is that they saw me quickly (no endless waiting w/ preggo women everywhere around me) so that was a plus. But, I didn't get to see the Dr. that I requested. I read the bios of the docs in that office and one struck me as the one who might know more about PCOS and of course she wasn't in so I saw a different doc.

Immediately he asked what brought me in and I explained my history of TTC, discovering PCOS, seeing OB/GYNs and an RE, trouble ovulating, using fertility meds, charting etc. and I told him I wasn't currently TTC. He looked at me and it was if he wanted to say "then why are you here if you're not TTC?" UGHHHH, really?? Why is it so hard to find a good doctor who listens and treats your problem, regardless if you're TTC or not??!! Needless to say, I was put off the entire appointment. I asked about Metformin and his reaction was like "I can't believe you've never taken it". UGH! Well, that's what I'm here about, I wanted to say.

Anyway, he wrote me a script for 90 days worth of Metformin. I'm to start at 500mg and work my way up to 1500mg. He wanted to take blood today and then again on CD 3 but I just had a sketchy feeling about him so I declined the b/w for today and told him I'd call back for CD 3 b/w scheduling. I'm not so sure if I want to stick w/ that place. Overall, bad vibe and killed my optimistic mood. I HATE when docs do that! Oh well, maybe the met will help me and maybe once I calm down, I'll go in for the CD 3 b/w afterall. I don't know yet :(

This goes back to my original question of how docs do testing to determine whether or not you need met and apparently this is one of those docs who doesn't put you through a bunch of tests before he Rx it. I'll never understand that one but hey, we'll see I guess. When I get health insurance, I'm finding an endocrinologist.

Edit: Forgot to add that we talked about my weight and the scale there said 157 which is lower than my scale at home. I brought up the subject and he glanced at my chart to see my weight and didn't seem to think there's a problem with it. Then I explained that I've battled weight all my life and at one time was around 180 so I made extra sure that he knew it takes a TON of work for me to even lose a pound! lol Docs always seem to skip over the weight part for me but to me it's a big deal because although I don't look too overwieght right now, I have in the past! Maybe the met will help get these last 10-15 lbs off.

cmschapp

03-24-2011, 01:53 PM

Em- Sorry you got a bad vibe from the place. I am not sure what to tell you. If you are uncertain it might not be good to waste the money if you don't have a doc you can trust. I am not sure how they determine if you should be on met with PCOS. My doc looked at me and said I don't need it so I am not sure how that works unless he looked at other blood work? I never did a insulin or glucose test so couldn't tell you the thinking there. Maybe you could try doing the bloodwork and then see the doc that you wanted the first time. Maybe that would help? An endo should be able to help some too. I haven't been so I am not sure.

AFM- Thanks for crossing your toes and fingers for me. If I don't get pregnant this cycle I am hopeful for next cycle. Maybe it will be shorter now that I know not to take ibuprofen :). So DH was trying to surprise me for our anniversary and I had a whim to check the credit card. I saw our bill was huge so I decided to look at the charges and I see one for Jareds. ha he went and bought me another band to match the one i had to make my ring symmetrical. I had to let him know that i found out. He was a little disappointed but if I didn't tell him and he found out later i think he would have been even more upset. Oh well I got what i wanted :) I hope I can give him an equally fantasic present on tuesday ahh the waiting is killing me.

emmilynn

03-24-2011, 02:01 PM

That's what I'm thinking too. Although I want b/w done, it will be paid for out of pocket and I'm just not sure I want to waste time with a doctor I'm not comfortable with. If I do go back, I'm insisting on the first doctor I wanted! That guy seemed like he was hurrying me and didn't have time to deal with an infertile when there were pregnant women waiting to be seen. UGH! My RE did the same thing - looked at me and said I didn't need Met so it's confusing!

That's so awesome about the band! What a great guy and an awesome anniversary present!! I hope you can give him the most amazing gift too. And praying that AF stays away for at least 9 months ;)

Any big plans for the anniversary coming up?

cmschapp

03-24-2011, 02:55 PM

no big plans just dinner wooo ha.

kerricalabrese

03-24-2011, 05:59 PM

EM - I understand how you feel. When I first was TTC (about 6 months after trying on our own), I saw my OB/GYN because I wanted to try Clomid. They diagnosed my PCOS thru an ultrasound. My cycles were long, etc. After 2 months of Clomid, I had a weak ovulation and she decided to put me on Metformin. Never did blood or anything. After several months of no baby, she strongly suggested I see an RE, which I did. She herself ran tests and confirmed the PCOS thru u/s and blood. She had me Metformin, again with no testing to see if I really needed it. All of my CMP bloodwork came back fine once a year. I switched to the RE that has been doing my IVF's and he too, never tested my sugar to see if I really needed the Met. He told me that Met is NOT to shorten your cycles, it's really only meant if you are pre-diabetic or diabetic, but it also can help with egg quality. Well, I had my CMP done in Dec as I mentioned and my kidney enzymes were a little elevated, but he said to keep taking it and follow up with my PCP. I did that and again, the levels were elevated, so my RE and PCP talked and decided to take me off the Met immediately and retest in 2 weeks. I tested on Mon and the levels are coming down, but my sugar is up a little. My PCP decided to test my sugar last minute (I didn't fast because he was initially only checking my enzymes) and it came back 116. I had low cal Gatorade and a banana on my way there so I told the nurse today that is why it might have been high. He wants me to retest in 6 weeks. By then I'll know the outcome of this IVF so we'll take it from there. It's so confusing!

Christina - That ring sounds so nice!

Kerri

emmilynn

03-24-2011, 06:24 PM

You know, I should have asked about long term use of Met while I was there. Actually, there were a lot of questions I had but I was so put off by that doc, I just was ready to get out of there. I do know that my last bloodwork (last summer) revealed 84 fasting sugar or something like that so that's normal. But that doesn't reallly tell you too much in terms of insulin. However, diabetes is so rampant on BOTH sides of my family, it's a miracle I don't have diabetes. But since there's such a connection between PCOS and diabetes, I can't help but wonder that my insulin might be wonky. I guess we'll see what happens. If the Met is too much for me to handle or if I don't see any improvements, I'll just stop taking it.

116 doesn't seem too high considering you ate before the blood draw. Hopefully coming off the Met doesn't make your body go crazy but it's good they caught the elevated kidney enzymes. I'm hoping the IVF goes perfectly with a GREAT outcome! :)

Christina - Dinner sounds nice. I never turn down a great dinner! ha :D

kerricalabrese

03-24-2011, 06:41 PM

"wonky", I love that word, LOL! I had a little of Met withdrawl, for a few days there, I felt really shaky and strange. Not surprising though, I went from 2000mg a day down to 0, just like that. I'm fine now, but it was bad there for a few days. When I go back in 6 weeks, they'll test my A1C, which is a 3 month average of where my sugars have been and they'll see what happens with that. My RE did say that if I had to go back on the Met, he would put me back on it, but we'll see.

Kerri

cmschapp

03-24-2011, 10:14 PM

I will have to take a picture of my ring so you ladies can see it. I was so surprised I wasn't expecting it. And to ruin my own surprise sucked but I am glad I told him I found out because he would have been upset and I wouldn't want to do that.

The whole met and when to take it or not is so confusing but I think that is because they don't exactly know what or how PCOS starts/functions.

Kerri- Hopefully you don't have to go back on met. I hope your results come back in the normal range.

Em- I can understand getting flustered about asking questions because you were put off by your doc. But hopefully you can find one you like!

Hopefully I can test Tuesday, I am hoping AF doesn't come but we will see what happens. I will continue to use NPC for a couple more days and then stop to see what happens.

cmschapp

03-25-2011, 10:55 AM

So I think AF is starting, it sucks but this cycle was crazy to begin with I think I might be glad that it is coming to an end. I can start this next cycle off using my fertility monitor so maybe just maybe it will help!

emmilynn

03-25-2011, 12:21 PM

Met withdrawls? Oh Lord, that doesn't sound fun!

Christina - I hope what you're feeling is something other than AF!! At least your LP this time is staying strong. Maybe the NPC is helping!

cmschapp

03-25-2011, 12:34 PM

Well I am so paranoid that I will have an "accident" at work and would be so embarrased that when I saw the faintest color I used a tampon ha! I am having slight cramps and a heaviness to my insides. Don't worry I took tylenol this time! :) It seems to have helped a little. I will continue to use the NPC for 2 more days because I don't think its enough that it should stop me from getting AF and it should help my progesterone level. Hope that wasn't too much TMI. I have seen much worse but don't know how you guys tolerate it :)

Em- Your temp is still above the coverline so perhaps you did ovulate? How is the met so far any side effects since starting?

emmilynn

03-25-2011, 12:52 PM

There's no such thing here as TMI! haha. I think I read and heard everything when it comes to AF, blood, CM, BDing, cervix positions, tampons, pads, etc. I guess that's how we learn this stuff because I used to be such a dummy on all of these topics! I wonder what your progesterone levels are like though after O? Most women who have the P4 progesterone b/w done are taking fertility drugs but it would be interesting to know the numbers for someone ovulating naturally, without drugs.

I really don't know about my chart. I just don't think I O'd. My "post-o" temps aren't rising and typical post-o temps are usually much higher for me. My LP is 12 days or so, so AF should be here early next week if I did O. But, I'm doubtful. No s/e yet from the Met. I'm only taking one 500mg tablet at night and last night, I didn't feel anything. I'll be nervous when I bump the dose up though.

cmschapp

03-25-2011, 01:20 PM

You are right about TMI! I thought about having a P4 done but 7dpo would have been on Sunday. I will call about it next cycle if the timing works out better. Time will tell on whether you O'd or not. That would be great if you did! I was questioning my O too then my temps went up finally after I started using the NPC.
Yeah I think I would be nervous on the increased dosage too hopefully you don't have any S/E.

emmilynn

03-25-2011, 03:13 PM

Do you usually get O pains? Every cycle that I have O'd, I usually get very pronounced bloat/cramps for a few days but not everyone experiences that. That's why I'm skeptical. I felt nothing and not a drop of CM this whole cycle which is weird.

cmschapp

03-25-2011, 03:16 PM

The first 2 cycles I did get O pains. But since I have been ovulating each month I don't get them anymore. I just get the EWCM but I have that for days so I need the fertility monitor to tell me when I actually O so I don't wear DH out...

emmilynn

03-25-2011, 03:20 PM

Ok. That makes me feel a little better then. Knowing I could ovulate without pains. I agree with the fertility monitor though. Having EWCM forever and ovulating at different days each month can wear you out! The monitor is supposedly pretty good at predicting High and Peak days. At least that peak sign will really let you know that it's time to get busy, lol

On the plus side, that's now 2 cycles in a row that you've ovulated before CD 30. Big improvement!

cmschapp

03-25-2011, 03:37 PM

Yeah I don't remember much CM my first cycle that I o'd either.
That is a good sign that my ovulation day seems to be moving up. I am going to add something new this cycle. I had ordered it before but got nervous. Its called Zao Jiao Ci or Gleditsia Fruit. Its supposed to dissolve the waxy coating around polycystic ovaries and induce ovulation. But its slightly toxic which is what scared me the first time. But I will follow the dosage according to the book the Infertility Cure which says 1 gram everyday before ovulation. I got it in powdered form so I ordered some capsules and I am going to make my own that way I can spread the dosage out and it doesn't have to taste bad. I am going to keep doing everything else and add that. DH was upset when I bought it a few months ago and then didn't use it. I told him I was going to add it and he sounded okay with it. He has no idea what any of the stuff I take does. He just sees the charges and asks if I have to take all of it. Ha

kerricalabrese

03-26-2011, 01:56 PM

Christina - So sorry that AF found you...:mad:

Kerri

cmschapp

03-26-2011, 05:50 PM

Thanks Kerri She brought some spite too...ha

emmilynn

03-26-2011, 07:54 PM

I'm so sorry Christina. Stupid witch and of course on the weekend she comes :(

cmschapp

03-26-2011, 11:27 PM

Its almost better that way. I work in an old house downtown and the toilets get clogged all the time. So hopefully AF will almost be done by Monday.

emmilynn

03-27-2011, 02:36 PM

Zao Jiao Ci or Gleditsia Fruit. Its supposed to dissolve the waxy coating around polycystic ovaries and induce ovulation

Interesting!! I've never heard of it. You'll have to let me know your experience with it. I always wondered if there was an actual medication/supplement that reduces cysts and improves ovary condition. Sounds like this may be a good supplement addition if you take it correctly.

cmschapp

03-27-2011, 04:24 PM

It doesn't dissolve very well in water so hopefully my capsules get here soon. I won't really have a way to know if it is working unless I have another ultrasound done. I guess if it improves my cycle some that will be proof enough...

kerricalabrese

03-28-2011, 11:43 AM

Hi ladies!
I hope you all had a great weekend!

Kerri

emmilynn

03-28-2011, 11:48 AM

My weekend was good except that I spent a lot of it in the bathroom haha! I guess the Metformin kicked in after all. Probably my fault though. I indulged in too many sweets and carbs so I bet that's why. My chart is just faking me out. Temp drop today like I normally would at 12 dpo but not a single sign of AF. I really don't think I ovulated but my chart sure makes it seem like I did. Blah

kerricalabrese

03-28-2011, 11:52 AM

Well, your temps have been way above the cover line, I guess the next few days will tell the tale.

I had what they call "Met Gut" for years. I couldn't drink soda or coffee without having to run to the bathroom a few minutes later, it was gross. I rarely ordered those things while out, for just that reason. I thought maybe it was IBS but once I stopped the Met a few weeks ago, all of that stopped suddenly. It's great, I can drink anything and not have to worry, pretty much.

Kerri

emmilynn

03-28-2011, 11:57 AM

Yeah, my stomach has been achey but even more so after I eat something sweet or filled with carbs. I'm switching to salads this week and lean proteins like I should be eating anyway. Being at home is ok when you have stomach issues but definitely not something I want to deal with when I'm away from the house...yikes lol

cmschapp

03-28-2011, 12:07 PM

Kerri-My weekend was okay. AF showed friday afternoon. Our anniversary is tomorrow so probably no hanky panky Stupid AF! I am doing well with my basket ball bracket I can possibly finish in first! That would be a nice surprise!

Em- Sorry that you had problems with Met. at least you know what causes it. My PMS symptoms are not as bad since starting my supplements so you still have hope for AF. ha

AFM- Started using my fertility monitor this cycle and some of the chinese herbs that i ordered a while back. The Gleditsia tastes like dirt ha. I hope this helps because I don't know how long DH will be supportive of the natural way.

emmilynn

03-28-2011, 12:33 PM

Well I'm hoping that Gleditsia is worth the nastiness and you get your BFP this cycle! I can understand your DH getting impatient with the natural route. He probably just wants his swimmers to knock you up already, haha. I think TTC is hard on guys too. I always told my ex that I was the problem and he was fine but that didn't seem to make each cycle any easier. Oh well, with the fertility monitor and the new herb you're taking, this will be your month!! :)

cmschapp

03-28-2011, 01:20 PM

Thanks for the continued hope! I am trying to remain positive. I do have cycles and I am ovulating which I wasn't doing before supplements. So I definitely think they are helping. I am excited about this month with the fertility monitor. It should be able to help us pinpoint ovulation much better. At least that is what I am hoping for...

emmilynn

03-29-2011, 01:29 PM

Happy Anniversary, Christina!! :D

Kerri - Looks like everything is getting closer. Excited for you!

kerricalabrese

03-29-2011, 01:42 PM

Have a happy anniversary Christina!

Yeah, things are happening a little quicker now. I go for my saline sono and consult tomorrow morning. My Lupron is due to come today via UPS and the other stuff I guess will come next week.

cmschapp

03-29-2011, 03:28 PM

Thanks for the Anniversary wishes!
Kerri GL on the IVF road!!!
Em any sign of AF?

emmilynn

03-29-2011, 08:30 PM

No sign of AF. She would have been here by now if I did O. My LP is not that long. I think this cycle is going to turn into one like last month (long) but hoping the Met will atleast improve it a little. I don't care when I ovulate, just as long as I ovulate and feel a little more normal then, lol

kerricalabrese

03-29-2011, 08:51 PM

EM - I think you should take a HPT, just to rule that out as a reason why AF is not here. Unless of course you know for a fact and that you're 100% sure that you can't be...just a suggestion!

Kerri

emmilynn

03-29-2011, 09:05 PM

Haha! Kerri, I haven't DTD in...well April 1st will make it 7 months!! Not since I left my ex-husband! LOL

Ok, now I'm embarrassed but at least that's off the table LOL LOL :D

Edit: Although, if the opportunity ever presents itself again on a regular basis (i.e. boyfriend), I do plan to continue charting as natural form of BC.

kerricalabrese

03-29-2011, 09:20 PM

OMG, I'm so sorry, I didn't know that you aren't actively TTC. You may have mentioned it but I must have forgotten. Wait, you were looking into being an egg donor, right? See what happens when you hit 36 like me...senility!

Kerri

cmschapp

03-30-2011, 11:00 AM

You ladies crack me up! Crazy long cycles are so annoying. Hopefully the met and inositol together will help your cycles.

emmilynn

03-30-2011, 12:13 PM

Haha! It's ok, I have days where I get in the car and forget where I'm going. That started years ago, lol. I was looking into the egg donor program but unfortunately the first place I applied with, never contacted me back. I suspect that's because I'm slightly older than their cut-off age for donating, plus the PCOS probably doesn't help. I wish they would accept me, it would mean a lot to be able to do that but I can see their reasoning. And apparently a lot more women apply for egg donating than I thought so that makes the competition worse.

Oh well, until I get another opportunity to use them someday, my little eggies will just have to sit tight and wait for me :D

cmschapp

03-30-2011, 01:29 PM

I think tomorrow starts my first day of testing with my fertility monitor!

kerricalabrese

03-30-2011, 02:13 PM

So, I had the saline sono this morning and NO POLYPS!! I'm good to go. He did say that if there were any, they would have to be removed, which would have prevented this IVF from happening. So, that was my real big worry and all looks good. He even checked twice, just to be sure. I'm prone to polyps, every year since 2006, I've had surgery for them.

We had the consult and that went well. They don't thaw the embryos out until the day of transfer, if needed. I thought it was done a day ahead or so, but nope, not until the actual day. He said they will definately bring me to a 5 day transfer, since we have the frozen ones. I did ask the question of the stats on how many they lose...if they don't survive the thaw, if they lose too many cells, etc. He said normally, 75%, if not more, make it thru and are fine. So if I have 5 embryos, 4 should make it, sometimes they all do. But, regardless, he says 5 day transfers are better because if they don't make it to day 5 in their lab, most likely they won't turn into a pregnancy. Now, is that 100% true all the time? No, but it makes sense. With my 3rd iVF, I had a 3 day and they grew the other ones out to a 5 day and they all made it. But, I was limited and they didn't want to risk me having nothing to transfer. He still seems to think that my only issue with these IVF's failing so far, is just "bad luck." There is nothing medically wrong where he can say it didn't work because of this issue or that. I guess it's kind of a good thing. He said they do have a new procedure where they biopsy the embryos on Day 5 for chromosomal issues...most miscarriages happen due to improper # of chromosomes...and they would put back the normal ones on Day 6. Unfortunately it's $6000 and not covered by insurance so I won't be doing that.

Kerri

cmschapp

03-30-2011, 02:37 PM

Kerri- That is great news that you don't have any Polyps and that you can keep going with this IVF! I am praying that everything goes smoothly for you and you end up with a sticky BFP

emmilynn

03-30-2011, 02:52 PM

That's great, Kerri!! Glad about no polyps and pushing forward with the timelines. Out of curiosity, how many do you actually plan to transfer? I mean, if say 4 are viable, do you plan to transfer all 4? I'm excited for you! :D

Christina - that's great about the monitor! I'm anxious to see how it works for you.

cmschapp

03-30-2011, 03:14 PM

That makes 2 of us!!!

kerricalabrese

03-30-2011, 03:16 PM

We will be transferring 3 and even that makes my RE nervous. We transferred 2 with the 1st and 2nd IVF and 3 with the 3rd one.

Kerri

cmschapp

03-30-2011, 03:21 PM

honestly If i was on my fourth ivf I would say do all of them ha...I would welcome the possibility of having multiples rather than 0...

emmilynn

03-30-2011, 03:58 PM

Yeah, I can imagine the worry over anything more than 2. I'm not sure what the statistics are and all that. I wouldn't even look too much into it since it seems everyone has such a drastically different experience. I do know of a woman on another message board (didn't have PCOS) but she had multiple other health problems and went through 2 failed IVF cycles. On cycle #3, they transferred 3 embryos, all 3 took initially but soon found #3 didn't make it. Anyway, she ended up delivering 2 babies!

A little off-topic but I'm a reader and right now I'm reading Sing Me Home by Jodi Picoult and it's about IVF, losses, infertility, marriage struggles, religion etc. The storyline involves a couple going through these challenges and struggles. It makes me cry but it's SUCH a good book. I can relate to it on so many levels as I'm sure anyone struggling with infertility can. I highly recommend it!

kerricalabrese

03-31-2011, 11:17 AM

EM- That book is called "Sing You Home." I plugged what you had into my library's search and came up with a different book. I put myself on the waiting list for it but there are 314 holds on the 69 copies they have, all throughout the libraries. I think I'll be waiting a long time for it, LOL!

I start Lupron tonight, that is a med that further suppresses your ovaries and I have until Mon for the BCP. Things are moving fast!

Kerri

emmilynn

03-31-2011, 12:12 PM

Oops, you're right Kerri! I'm looking at the cover right now. I think it just came out not too long ago. I bought a copy last week at Target and there were only 2 left!

Yay for Lupron and no more BCPs!

kerricalabrese

03-31-2011, 01:31 PM

Well, I still take the BCP's til Monday, but that's it.

I decided to have my friend give me weekly Reiki treatments, starting on Monday and going up until the beta, after that, we'll take it from there.

Kerri

cmschapp

04-01-2011, 09:37 AM

Does the Reiki treatments help with stress?

kerricalabrese

04-01-2011, 11:17 AM

Yes, it surely does!

Kerri

cmschapp

04-03-2011, 03:22 PM

Just checking to see how things are going with you ladies. Em your chart is showing O do you think you have O'd yet?

kerricalabrese

04-03-2011, 07:03 PM

I'm doing well! I have to delete and add some new tickers. I am definately hormonal with the Lupron and the BCP. I've been in such a mood the past couple of days, I think AF will come again after I stop the BCP tomorrow, that's probably why.

The Reiki treatment has been changed from once a week, to once a day for a week. We'll re-evaluate at that point. See, my friend is a born psychic and another lady who is also well known in New England as a psychic/medium are going to help me thru the next few weeks. I told Pam (from New England) about this IVF and she and Diane (my friend) are going to work together to make sure I'm ready...mind, body and soul. Since Pam is 4 hours away, she is going to tell Diane how to treat me. So, the Reiki once a day for 7 days straight and we'll see how I am then. I also have to talk to the baby, everyday, like it's already here. I have to burn lavender (incense, candles and oil) everyday, that is aromatherapy for stress reduction. Finally, I have to stay as stress free and positive and keep away from those as much as I can (like my mom) who are full of negativity. Some of these tasks are easier than others, but these ladies have never lead me wrong so I'm going to do as they say. Hopefully the Reiki will help with the hormones and my moods!!

Kerri

cmschapp

04-04-2011, 11:55 AM

I hope it relaxes you and keeps you stress free and gives you a BFP

emmilynn

04-04-2011, 12:06 PM

Kerri - good luck with the Reiki treatments! I know the power of relaxation can be a huge part of the whole process. And last BCP today - woohoo!

Christina - how's the monitor working for you? Have you been using it?

AFM - Chart shows ovulation but I'm not convinced. Just not very post-o temps for me so we'll see. I already overrode my chart once to remove the cross hairs but this time I'll just leave it alone and see what happens. What a weird cycle. I'm at 1000 mg of Metformin now and will go up to 1500 mg on Thursday. The bump up to 1000 put me in the bathroom a lot over the weekend so I just can't wait to see what 1500 does to me this weekend, LOL. ;)

cmschapp

04-04-2011, 12:15 PM

Em- Yes I am using the monitor I am on day 10 of my cycle. I have to poas every morning. I don't think I am the coordinated so I pee in a cup ha. Sor far it has only given me low fertility which is what I expect right now. So we will see in a week or so if my body starts acting like it is going to ovulate...

Hopefully the Met will help regulate your cycle along with the other supplements you are taking...

kerricalabrese

04-04-2011, 01:39 PM

EM - I feel your pain with the bathroom trips! I was on 2000mg daily so just think what that did, LOL!

Christina - I did the fertility monitor for a couple cycles too. I bought a used one off Ebay but when I ran out of sticks, I stopped using it. I think I still have it somewhere.

The first Reiki treatment was amazing! It's a lot like the Chakra Balancing but with Reiki, you don't physically get touched, it's all energy work with hands above the areas.

Kerri

cmschapp

04-04-2011, 01:46 PM

That sounds interesting... Kerri. I am trying to do acupressure on myself until I know if my acupuncture is covered.

kerricalabrese

04-04-2011, 02:22 PM

That's a good idea Christina. It's so silly, DH's insurance covers all these IVF's and IUI's and stuff like that, but he has no accupuncture coverage. My friend said she'll keep a running tab for me and I can pay her whenever I have the money. They normally charge $60+ for each Reiki treatment but she's doing mine for half price, since I will be doing it daily for at least the next week and who knows after that? I get more stressed toward retrieval and transfer time and then again towards the day for the beta. I have a feeiing I'll be living there for the next month...no kidding around.

Kerri

cmschapp

04-04-2011, 03:13 PM

Yeah. DH's insurance covers acupuncture for certain things. Migraines, nausea associated with pregnancy, and some other things. I had two appointments and they were $70 each. I have to submit the claim and you know how slow insurance is... They are still processing it so I still don't know if it is covered. He marked it as migraines so we will see...

kerricalabrese

04-04-2011, 03:20 PM

I hope it's covered! :)

Kerri

cmschapp

04-04-2011, 03:22 PM

Yeah me too. He was really nice to code it as migraines even though that was not the only thing I was being treated for...

alijac

04-04-2011, 07:32 PM

Hi ladies,

Just popping in to say hello...I've just received my first bottles of DCI. I've been taking plain ole inositol for nearly a month, but my acupuncturist suggested I try the DCI instead. So, we'll see. The company I purchased from recommended taking the dose in the morning, but I'm wondering if it makes sense to do half in the morning and half later in the day. Has anyone had any side effects in starting with the DCI? Any advice or words of wisdom in using it?

Thanks much!

Ali

cmschapp

04-04-2011, 08:03 PM

I take inositol. I think they only recommend splitting the dose if you have nausea. So I would take it in the morning like they say unless you have any trouble...

kerricalabrese

04-05-2011, 11:52 AM

Hi Ladies,
How is everyone doing today? It's due to rain here all this week in NY, just lovely!

Well, I got my haircut today, then headed to my friends for my 2nd Reiki treatment. I love this, it's amazing, the energy that I can feel is just awesome. When she does the energy with her hands above my head (not touching my head at all), I can feel the "electricity" and it feels like she's massaging my head, but like I said, she's not touching it at all. She said I'm in much better shape than yesterday so her focus will be different, based on what I feel like. However I'm feeling, she can physically feel throughout her body, it's hard to explain but that's how she can tell how "well" I really am!

Kerri

cmschapp

04-05-2011, 11:56 AM

That is really neat I am glad this is helping you!

kerricalabrese

04-05-2011, 12:04 PM

I think the whole point to this is to keep me as positive as possible. But the concentration that she does on my reproductive system is to help with egg quality right now. I'm thinking that before retrieval, after retrieval and after transfer will be to help with implantation, etc. So, each step I go thru will be something new for her to focus on. DH just asked me how much this is and not to lie with a fake low amount! She's keeping a running tab so I'll pay her when I have it, I stop in there all the time anyway so she knows I'm not skipping town...geesh!

Kerri

emmilynn

04-05-2011, 12:06 PM

You ladies are making me want to try relaxation treatments! I'm glad you can feel a difference, Kerri. Hopefully that positive energy will help get that BFP this cycle. I'm excited for your ultrasound to see what's going on in there!

Ali - I take just the regular inositol too. I split it up into two doses, morning and night. I don't seem to have side effects with it. I have not taken the DCI yet.

cmschapp

04-05-2011, 12:11 PM

kerricalabrese

04-05-2011, 12:21 PM

EM - Well, since I'm still on suppression until Saturday, nothing better be going on in there, LOL!

Kerri

emmilynn

04-05-2011, 12:50 PM

Oh that's right, when I saw u/s, I was thinking follicle scan. My bad! My brain is like oatmeal lately. I'm neck deep in grad school classes and I'm trying to balance that and visiting my BFF who is in town this week. We spent time together yesterday and I'll go visit tomorrow and probably every day after that through the weekend. It's nice to catch up with people you haven't seen in FOREVER! :D

kerricalabrese

04-05-2011, 01:23 PM

EM - That's ok! In fact, the first couple of scans are pretty boring. My follicles don't really start taking off and growing until after the 2nd scan since starting stims...crazy!

Kerri

alijac

04-05-2011, 02:27 PM

Christina, I'll definitely let you know if I notice a difference.

Emmilynn, if I have any side effects, I'll split my dose up like you do. We'll see. As for relaxation therapies, I can definitely recommend acupuncture. I've been going weekly and I definitely feel better afterward.

Kerri, your reiki treatments sound like my acupuncture (not in treatment, but in effects). It's wonderful you have a support system in place! I'll be sending you good thoughts as you prepare for this IVF.

I'm so glad I have acupuncture scheduled tomorrow. I'm hoping it will get me that much closer to ovulation...I really don't want to go back on fertility drugs. I will if I have to, but we'll see.

emmilynn

04-05-2011, 05:55 PM

Ali - I know what you mean about trying other things and avoiding fertility drugs. I'm not ttc right now but did round after round of clomid and femara last year. I think there's a lot to be said about accupunture and some of these other relaxation techniques. Plus, some of these off the shelf treatments like DCI and natural remedies can do wonders without having to go the medical route.

Good luck to you!

cmschapp

04-05-2011, 07:05 PM

Ali -I went to a couple acu treatments but its $70 a visit and I am not sure insurance is covering it so I stopped until I know for sure. I would love to go back but because I am taking so many supplements DH doesn't want me doing Acu too...

alijac

04-05-2011, 10:50 PM

Christina - I totally get it. My visits are $95 a pop, but I do have an HSA that's covering half of them each month. The only thing that helps is that I'm not shelling out money at the RE, too...I don't know how we'd manage accu and that. But my accupuncturist did say I could do a reduced payment if things became too tight. Trying not to take advantage of that, but nice to know it's an option.

Emmi - thanks for the well wishes! I'll send you good thoughts as you work through grad school. I finished in December, and it's such a good feeling! ;)

cmschapp

04-06-2011, 10:17 AM

I hate to stop the supplements because something gave back my cycle. I think acu could really help me but its hard to try to convince DH. Its not like we don't have the money its just DH doesn't want to spend it on that for some reason. I said it will be more if we move on to different forms of ART...

cmschapp

04-06-2011, 12:20 PM

So I was doing some more research and I came across this link that someone has posted in another forum last year and thought it was really interesting! http://jeffreydach.com/2008/02/13/understanding-pcos-the-hidden-epidemic-by-jeffrey-dach-md.aspx
It has to do with NPC and PCOS.

emmilynn

04-06-2011, 12:45 PM

Great article, Christina! I've heard of the 14 & 14 regimen for progesterone pills as a replacement for BCP. You don't see docs prescribe that too much but I think I've seen one or two women on these boards doing something similar to that.

limited evidence raises the issue that BCP's (OCPs) may aggravate insulin resistance and exert other untoward metabolic actions that possibly enhance the long-term risk for diabetes and heart disease."

That part caught my eye. I'm still so shocked that BCP is the most common form of treatment for someone not TTC when all they seem to do is aggrevate PCOS and force periods. It's bad enough to just mask symptoms without treating the underlying problem, but to think that BCP may be just speeding up the path to diabetes and heart disease is just astounding!

cmschapp

04-06-2011, 03:16 PM

I know its crazy. If you think what birth control pills do they have estrogen in them and create an estrogen dominance. I found some more information on this link http://www.infertilityworkshop.com/articles/gettingstarted/OvarInfo.htm Basically stating that if you have estrogen dominance you have to balance that with progesterone. To do that you use NPC days 5-26 for 3 months then in most cases ovulation returns the 4th month and you start the 14-14 regimen.

emmilynn

04-07-2011, 12:42 PM

That explains how once I was convinced the cycle was a wash so I started my Provera and 5 days in to in, I had O pains and ended up ovulating. Maybe that progesterone boost to even out hormones. Interesting!

Maybe I'll try the NPC. I've been meaning to buy some anyway.

cmschapp

04-07-2011, 01:20 PM

I am trying to decide if I want to take 3 months to prevent ovulation using progesterone next cycle. I don't know if I will take 3 months since I am seeing some positive results but I might use it on days 5-26 next cycle since I am in the middle of this one.
If you go to this site: http://www.natural-progesterone-advisory-network.com and do a search for PCOS there is lots of information but look thru the results until you see the pdf. The PDF has some good information in it... (Looks like page 2 for me)

emmilynn

04-07-2011, 02:07 PM

I saw the PDF and there's some good info on the NPC. I had no idea that lacking progesterone (ovulation) can potentially cause uterine cancers and fibroids! That's scary.

You could maybe try that for 1-2 cycles starting next cycle (if this one isn't a BFP). I don't see you needing to do it for very long considering you're having fairly regular cycles already but if following this program could shorten your cycles, or make ovulation every month more predictable, it would be worth trying!

I think I'll give the Metformin a full 3 months before I do anything different. I'd hate to take Met and NPC together and risk messing anything up more than it already is.

I wonder if my extreme high/low temps pre-o has something to do with progesterone levels fluctuating? Sometimes I think my temps are just nothing but a direct reflection of how hot/cold I am when I wake up :rolleyes:

cmschapp

04-07-2011, 02:12 PM

Yeah I don't think I would have to supress very long either. Depending on this cycle will determine what I do. I think its the estrogen dominance that causes a lot of those kinds of problems and balance those hormones is very important to our health. I wish I would have found this sooner. I would have tried it before all these supplements!
It definitely wouldn't hurt to give the met time to work...

emmilynn

04-07-2011, 02:19 PM

Well, that's basically why BCPs give you regular cycles I guess. It's exact amounts of hormones (which I think Progestin is the common hormone in BCP) so I guess the NPC would sort of mimic the same effect.

And to think that simply too much estrogen is the root of our problems seems like that could be easily fixed without BCP!

cmschapp

04-07-2011, 02:21 PM

Yeah. I think the problem is there are too many things that mimic estrogen in our environment and so its really easy to get out of balance. Wouldn't that be amazing if it was this simple...

alijac

04-07-2011, 02:32 PM

I used to use NPC as part of some system for PCOS (can't remember what company it was...) but I'm not sure I used it long enough to do any good. I think I'm going to stick with what I'm doing for right now, but am totally interested if you gals learn any more.

cmschapp

04-07-2011, 02:51 PM

Will do. Hopefully it will work out well for me...

kerricalabrese

04-08-2011, 08:11 PM

Hi ladies,
I haven't been on here in a few days, I hope all is well!

I had my suppression check yesterday and all was quiet in there, blood work came back perfect. So, tomorrow the fun stuff begins, I'm excited! I will be doing Follistim, Lupron and Menopur in the evenings for 8-10 days. I go back next week on Tues and Thurs for a scan and bloodwork, then probably next Sat and Sun as well. The Reiki is going really well, after this upcoming Monday, I'll go once a week but I have to see if they want me to go more, once I have the retrieval and/or transfer.

Kerri